West Coast Classics are proud to present an exceptional example of this 1963 Buick Riviera coupe with the highly desirable and matching #'s 401/325HP 4 barrel 'JT' code 'Wildcat' engine upgraded with dual quads carburetors and manifold and the chromed dual snorkel air cleaner and finished in a very striking all Black color combination with a center console and console mounted transmission with an upgraded 700R 4 speed automatic transmission, heater and defroster, smoking set with rear seat ashtrays, power steering, power (upgraded) front disc brakes, electric clock, map light, automatic trunk light, deep pile carpeting, dual exhausts, dual speed wipers with washers, deluxe steering wheel, deluxe wheel covers, backup lights, with upgraded and distinctive appointments such as full length armrests and door latches for rear passengers, soft-ray tinted glass, tilt wheel, power windows and AM radio with power antenna and with added after market options of temperature & voltage gauges and power seats, locks & mirrors!
This is a beautiful example with all 1963 models being unique from the later model Riviera's with the Buick TriShield button featuring a black background used on the wheel covers and tail light lenses too, in 1964 a stylized 'R' emblem would replace these areas instead. 1963 was also the only year that the heater/defroster and optional air conditioning controls would be suspended under the center of the instrument panel pad. The design created a somewhat confusing array of push and pull control levers to direct air flow where desired and a simpler design appeared for 1964/5. Also it is of note that Buick pioneered another industry first with the Riviera in 1963 - flush glass! This was a unique new design in which the windscreen and rear window were sealed directly to the body allowing the glass to fit flush and thereby eliminating the bulky metal and rubber framework required on other automobiles!
The car has no signs of any accidents and is rust free and the car car has obviously always been primarily garaged and looks extremely impressive with a very decent re-paint in 'Regal Black' with a matching 'Black' leather interior which is also in beautiful condition and with all new carpet and with all the chromework is also in very good condition. Under previous ownership every major mechanical component has reportedly either been either replaced or rebuilt with a brand new transmission and with the entire suspension rebuilt with front and rear sway bars and a new exhaust system. The car also boasts an upgraded custom sound system with discreet ipod hookups and Bluetooth capabilities connected to JBL speakers, AMP and a subwoofer in the trunk and 4 brand new 'Michelin' tires.
The 401/325HP JT code 'Wildcat' engine with upgraded dual quads carburetors and the chromed dual snorkel air cleaner is extremely strong and powerful and and this particular car is a great daily driver that will give any modern day sports car a run for it's money! The transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears and the temperature always remains cool!
This is a rare opportunity to own a great daily driving and obviously never abused example of a 1963 Buick Riviera - one of the outstanding GM designs of the sixties, reflecting the styling supremo of Bill Mitchell with a masterful blend of curves and razor-edges, dubbed the anti-Thunderbird and respected by an army of industrial designers as an architectural landmark of the U.S industry and which has high repute amongst collectors for both it's beautiful lines and smooth fast performance for a luxury coupe. "One of the most beautiful cars America ever built" as stated by none other than Sergio Pininfarina of Ferrari design fame at it's debut at the Paris auto show in 1963. This landmark design would continue for only two years until 1964 before a hidden headlight change in 1965, making these two particular years of 1963/4 the most collectible and desirable and with the original early '63 models holding the lead in collector preference amongst most enthusiasts, but with all these 63-65 model cars boasting 'Milestone Car' status.
Performance was an important consideration in the personal luxury car market in the early sixties and the Riviera's power source was the 401 cubic inch 'Wildcat 445' V8 engine with 325 horsepower at 4400 rpm. It developed 445 lbs of torque at 2800 rpm, hence the '455' Wildcat script on the air cleaner. An optional engine bored out 425 cubic inch 'Wildcat 465' produced an impressive 340 horses at 4400 rpm and 465 lbs ft of torque at 2800 rpm. The 1963 engines were painted silver, the only time this color would be used by Buick and they featured an over sized air cleaner painted in 'Wrinkle Red' although this particular boasts upgraded dual quads carburetors with the chromed dual snorkel air cleaner!
In summary, this is one great very collectible and very rare all American classic car in turn-key ready to enjoy today condition - a mostly all original car - perfect for the Buick enthusiast and a sure-fire investment that's sure to appreciate over the years for any classic American sixties car collector!
